When
we think of Elvis Presley, we picture the King of Rock 'n' Roll on stage, his
voice electrifying crowds, his blue suede shoes tapping to the rhythm, and his
unmistakable style. But there’s more to Elvis’s larger-than-life legacy than
his music and charisma. Few know that Elvis was also a connoisseur of
high-flying luxury—his private jet collection was a testament to his taste,
style, and love for travel. And one of these jets, a 1962 Lockheed Jetstar, has
recently found a new home, bringing with it a story of opulence, rock history,
and undying charm.
Imagine
stepping aboard a plane where each detail whispers, “The King was here.” This
Jetstar, now an iconic relic, was customized by Elvis himself. As you enter,
you're enveloped in rich, plush red velvet seats, deep carpeting, and polished
wood-paneled walls that reflect the luxury and flair Elvis brought to
everything he touched. This plane wasn’t just a mode of transportation; it was
an experience, a flying palace of rock royalty that carried Elvis and his
guests above the clouds in true style.
But
how did this jet come to rest under the New Mexico sun for over 35 years? The
story dates back to when Elvis bought this Lockheed Jetstar and outfitted it to
his exacting standards, adding features that were groundbreaking for the time.
With an eye for interior design that few would expect from a rock legend, he
filled his jet with lush red and rich wood accents, giving it the ambiance of a
private lounge rather than just an airplane. One could almost imagine Elvis
sitting comfortably in one of those plush seats, cruising above the clouds with
his father, Vernon Presley, by his side—a memory that would later become etched
in the lore surrounding this aircraft.
Alongside
his famed jet, Elvis owned other luxurious planes, like his famous Convair 880,
aptly nicknamed "Lisa Marie" and registered as “Hound Dog 1.” The
Lockheed Jetstar, however, held a different place in his heart, serving as an
intimate escape from the public eye. The jet itself, nicknamed “Hound Dog 2,”
joined Elvis’s personal fleet and became an enduring symbol of his extravagant
lifestyle and love for the skies.
Following
his untimely passing in 1977, the Lockheed Jetstar came to a standstill in
Roswell, New Mexico. For decades, it sat there, the red paint on its exterior
slowly fading under the sun, becoming something of a curiosity for passing
travelers. Yet, despite the wear of time, the plane retained a mystique that
only deepened with each passing year. Finally, on January 8th, it found itself
once again in the spotlight at the Mecum Kissimmee Collector Car Auction in
Florida. Bidders called in from across the world, eager for a piece of the
King’s legacy. Eventually, a devoted Elvis fan, calling in by phone, won the
jet with a bid of $260,000—a price that captured not only a relic of aviation
but a piece of rock-and-roll history.
Inside,
the jet’s luxurious details seem nearly untouched by time. Stepping into this
plane is like walking back into the height of Elvis’s fame. The wooden panels,
carefully polished and gleaming, and the sumptuous red seats invite visitors to
sink into a level of comfort that commercial airlines could only dream of
providing. A cutting-edge (for the 60s) television stands ready for
entertainment, blending seamlessly with the classic furnishings. The spacious
cabin holds ample seating for Elvis’s guests and close friends, creating the
perfect space for laughter, stories, and memories.
At
the back of the cabin, a small kitchenette still stands, complete with an aging
microwave that one can imagine Elvis himself once used. Picture him standing in
the kitchen area, perhaps whipping up one of his legendary peanut butter,
banana, mayonnaise, and crispy bacon sandwiches, then popping it in the
microwave to savor while soaring through the skies. This tiny detail adds a
nostalgic touch that brings fans closer to the man behind the legend.
And
if you thought the charm stopped there, wait until you peek inside the
bathroom. Complete with a luxurious sink and soft velour finishes, it’s a world
away from the cramped confines of today’s commercial airline bathrooms. This
restroom was designed for the King himself, and one can only imagine how Elvis
felt about the simple pleasures of flying in such comfort and style.
Though
Elvis’s Lockheed Jetstar is no longer fit for flight, it has become a cherished
piece of history, inviting fans and collectors alike to glimpse a lesser-known
side of the King’s life. The high bid of $260,000 reflects more than just the
value of an antique jet; it’s a tribute to the man who once ruled rock and roll
and lived life to the fullest, from his velvet-covered home to his private
flying haven.
For fans, the sale of this jet isn’t just a moment of nostalgia—it’s an invitation to imagine Elvis at his peak, cruising across the country in luxury, a legend in the sky. If you know any Elvis fans, share this story with them; it’s a small way to relive the legacy of a man who truly lived like a king.
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